Saudi Arabia has prohibited its men from marrying women from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Chad and Myanmar.
According to unofficial figures, there are about 500,000 women from these four countries currently residing in the kingdom.
Saudi men wishing to marry foreigners now face tougher regulations, Makkah Police Director Major General Assaf Al-Qurashi said, reports Indian Express citing several global media.
The move is aimed at discouraging Saudi men from marrying foreigners and additional formalities have been placed before issuing permission for marriage with foreigners.
Those wanting to marry foreign women should first obtain the consent of the government and submit marriage applications through official channels, Qurashi was quoted as saying.
Qurashi said divorced men would not be allowed to apply within six months of their divorce.
The official said applicants should be over 25 and attach identification documents signed by the local district mayor as well as all other identity papers, including a copy of his family card.
“If the applicant is already married, he should attach a report from a hospital proving that his wife is either disabled, suffering from a chronic disease or is sterile,” he said. (With inputs from Gulf News)